Yewdale Fells

Downs, Moorland in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Yewdale Fells

Roughly grassed field at Dixon Ground Dixon Ground is an area of land lying west of Coniston. The view here is from the publicly accessible part of the Walna Scar Road which has risen from the village.
The steep, broken slope beyond lies across Church Beck and rises ultimately to Wetherlam. — Roughly grassed field at Dixon Ground Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Yewdale Fells is a stunning area of natural beauty located in Lancashire, England. It is characterized by its rolling hills, expansive moorland, and picturesque valleys. The fells are situated in the southern part of the Lake District National Park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Covering an area of approximately 10 square miles, Yewdale Fells offers a diverse landscape that includes both open moorland and wooded valleys. The fells are mainly composed of volcanic rock, creating a unique geological feature that adds to its charm. The highest peak in the area is Coniston Old Man, standing at an impressive 2,634 feet, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The fells are home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, birds of prey, and rare species of plants. The area is also known for its rich history, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and ancient mining activities scattered throughout.

Yewdale Fells is a haven for hikers and walkers, with a network of well-maintained trails that cater to all levels of ability. The paths meander through heather-covered moorland, alongside babbling streams, and up steep slopes, offering a range of different experiences for visitors.

The fells are also a popular destination for rock climbers, with several challenging crags and cliffs to conquer. Additionally, the area offers opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, and fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes.

Overall, Yewdale Fells is a breathtaking and diverse landscape that showcases the beauty of Lancashire's countryside. Whether you are seeking solitude and tranquility or an adrenaline-filled adventure, this area has something to offer for everyone.

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Yewdale Fells Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.385589/-3.0753248 or Grid Reference SD3099. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Roughly grassed field at Dixon Ground

Dixon Ground is an area of land lying west of Coniston. The view here is from the publicly accessible part of the Walna Scar Road which has risen from the village. The steep, broken slope beyond lies across Church Beck and rises ultimately to Wetherlam.

Trevor Littlewood

Irish Cottages, Coppermines Valley

Irish Cottages in the valley of Church Beck is a terrace of houses above Coniston; two of them together form a climbing hut of the Yorkshire Mountaineering Club. The gravel flats through the centre of the image are where the Church Beck flows and winds.

Trevor Littlewood

Road heading for Coppermines Valley

The valley is actually that of Church Beck but is popularly known as the Coppermines Valley because of the extensive disused mine workings there. The road is private but is used to access accommodation in the valley including houses, a youth hostel and two climbing club huts. The road is also a public footpath. Coniston Old Man is the mountain seen against the sky.

Trevor Littlewood

Slope with minor rock outcrops

The near slope is close to the feature named on OS maps as Flat Bield and is separated from the camera location by a steep stream groove. The valley beyond it is Red Dell. The sunlit rockface at the centre of the image and beyond Red Dell is Kennel Crag, sometimes known as Kernel Crag.

Trevor Littlewood

Shallow pool on ridge rising to Wetherlam

A broad, lengthy ridge which in its higher reach is fairly featureless rises generally northwards to the Wetherlam summit. There are minor knolls and a tarn or two; this is the more attractive of them. Helvellyn and Fairfield and their satellite mountains are in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Settling tanks at Bonsor upper mill

The series of shallow depressions near to the Coppermines Youth Hostel is named as 'tanks' in the 1969 volume, 'Industrial Archaeology of the Lake Counties' - Marshall & Davies-Shiel. It's supposed that they were settling tanks in which small particles of rock etc. would be allowed to fall to the bottom before the then clearer water would be allowed to flow down to Coniston in the valley below.

Trevor Littlewood

Coppermines Cottage

In the past, when copper was being mined, the cottage was occupied by a mine official, presumably the site manager. In 1958 it was acquired by the Barrow Mountaineering and Ski Club which still uses it as a club hut.

Trevor Littlewood

Irish Cottages, Coppermine Valley

In 2022, the foreground buildings, Irish Cottages, were the property of the Yorkshire Mountaineering Club. I am unsure of their status in January 1973 when this image was taken. Mine workings can be seen in the background.

Julian Paren

The head of Coppermine Valley, Coniston

In January 1973 the white building was the Youth Hostel. A track continues beyond here into the Coniston Fells.

Julian Paren

The Air Ambulance on Wetherlam

The Coniston Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) were training at base when the call came for a fell-runner who had slipped on descent, injured his ankle, and could no longer stand. The team attended and carried him down below the cloud. Fortunately a helicopter was available to transport the casualty to Furness General Hospital.

Michael Earnshaw